Christchurch Comments.

Maoriland Worker, Volume 2, Issue 15, 16 June 1911, Page 12

Christchurch Comments.

COOKE FOR PARLIAMENT

Com. E. J. Howard, oao of the sfcaunchest members of the Christchurch. Socialist Party, has proceeded to South Canterbury upon an organising tour on behalf of ibhe Canterbury General Laborers' Union. Whilst in the south friend Howard purposes to devote considerable attention to the N.Z.F.Li., of winch body lie is a member. Ide will also endeavour to establish brandies or trie M.Z. Socialist l'arty at botli ±imaru and Waimate. ~11 Considerable activity is displayed by the Chris tchurch comrades. Next to Auckland, Uhristchurch .branch is t-Jie livest in the Dominion. This is in no small measure due to the activity, energy and enthusiasm of our old iriend and comrade, *'. R- Cooke. Indications are not wanting that friend Cooke will poll heavily in the forthcoming elections, he being the chosen candidate for Christchurch East. Sunday night meetings in the Square and in the Socialist Hall arc always veil attended. Christchurch is fortunate in having at its disposal several eoap-boxers or no mean ability. Tiiero exists in Christchurch a recruiting branch of the I.WAV. Its members display a considerable amount of energy in their propaganda o± industrial Unionism. Books and pamphlets upon industrialism are disposed ot in considerable quantities. lhe result is Christchurch workers are beginning to grasp the principles of Industrial Unionism. It is pleasing to note that the club has decided to procure weekly a considerable number ot Workers to help them in the propagating ot tlieir principles. Indications are not wanting that a branch of the Federation similar to the one formed in Auckland will shortly be established here. . lhere undoubtedly exists a strong feeling m favour of industrialism as propounded by the N.Z.F.L. It is rumoured that the local Trades and Labor Council is not exactly a happy family. Considerable dissatisfaction exists at the "go slow" methods of its officials. ~ A prominent member of the Council was recently presented with a petition asking that he allow himself to .be noi»uiated as a "Labor" candidate for Christchurch South. He expressed himself as being taken aback by tne unexpected honour, but in view of his duties as a citizen, etc., etc., accept. Wβ have it on the best of authority that the circular sent round tor signature asking this official to contest the seat was typed in his own omee. lliat his display of surprise on hearing of it all indicates that he suffers dreadfully from mental aberration. Bumour hath it that ilie Labor romo«.*ntatrves on the Christcliurch City Council are not exactly a happy xamih- Already thero is a tendency, m 01.; particular at least, to "rat" upon those who were responsible for the "deration." . The Workek meets with universal praise by all those who are m the forefront" of the fight. Its circulation is rapidly increasing.—P.LL.i±.